Post-Labor Economics: What It Means for You and Me

Hey, it’s time we have a real talk about the future.

I’m not talking about flying cars or living on Mars—I’m talking about how artificial intelligence (AI) is going to change the way we work and live (as this wasn’t obvious!).

It’s called post-labor economics, and it’s not a matter IF it will happen, but WHEN.

As a developer, I already see AI-based tools doing a lot of the work I used to do. And it’s not just coding jobs that will be replaced. From physical labor to executive positions, AI is coming for all kinds of jobs.

It might happen in the next 3, 5, 10 or 20 years—no one knows for sure. But I want to be prepared, and I want you to be prepared too.

The AI WILL Takeover. The Question is WHEN?

So what will this post-labor future look like? It’s not all doom-and-gloom, it’s actually going to be pretty sweet time to be alive for those that will put in effort NOW.

Here’s my best guesses on what to do:

Companies are Already Replacing Workers with AI

It’s no secret that companies are always looking for ways to cut costs and increase profits. As AI becomes more advanced and affordable, many businesses will start laying off human workers and replacing them with machines. We’re already seeing this happen at tech giants like Google, and it’s only going to become more common in the coming years.

The messed up truth is that for many companies, AI will be a more attractive option than human employees - the best employee is no employee. Machines don’t need salaries, benefits, or vacation days. They can work 24/7 without getting tired or making mistakes. And as the technology improves, they’ll be able to do more and more of the tasks that humans currently perform.

Government Will Have to Step In (Unfortunatelly)

As more people lose their jobs to AI, governments will have to step in to prevent widespread poverty and social unrest. One solution that’s been proposed is universal basic income (UBI), where every citizen receives a fixed amount of money each month to cover their basic needs.

To pay for UBI, governments may also switch to digital currencies that give them more control over the money supply. With digital currencies, central banks could easily adjust interest rates, savings, and money flow to keep the economy stable.

However, relying on the government to take care of us is a risky bet. We don’t know exactly how UBI would work or what kind of restrictions would be placed on it. And digital currencies could give governments unprecedented power over our financial lives. As responsible adults, we need to take matters into our own hands and find ways to thrive in the post-labor economy.

The Income Tax Conundrum: Who to Tax?

If most people are living on UBI, that money has to come from somewhere. Governments will likely impose heavy taxes on companies that want to operate in their countries and sell goods to their citizens.

This could drive many businesses to move their operations to countries with lower taxes and looser regulations. The companies that remain will have to raise prices to offset the higher taxes, making goods and services more expensive for everyone.

Small businesses and startups may have an especially hard time surviving in this environment. They may not have the resources to automate their operations or pay the higher taxes, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger corporations.

So, Who will Survive in the Post-Labor Economy?

So what kinds of jobs or businesses will still be around in the post-labor economy? Here are a few possibilities:

Human Activities

People doing people things.

Even in a world dominated by AI, people will still crave human interaction and experiences. Activities that involve sports, arts, hobbies, and other “human” things will likely remain popular.

For example, people might pay to attend live theater performances, take pottery classes, or go on group hikes with other nature enthusiasts. These activities provide a sense of community and connection that can’t be replicated by machines.

Businesses that cater to these human-centric experiences could thrive in the post-labor economy. They might offer workshops, retreats, or other events where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company without any robots around.

Services that Require Human Connection

Similarly, jobs that involve emotional support, physical touch, or other forms of human connection will probably stick around. Therapists, masseuses, caregivers, and companions will still be in demand, even if AI can handle many other tasks.

People will always need a listening ear, a comforting touch, or a friendly face to talk to. These human connections can’t be fully replicated by machines, no matter how advanced they become.

Of course, these jobs may look different in the future than they do today. Therapists might offer virtual sessions instead of in-person meetings. Masseuses might use high-tech tools to enhance their techniques. But the core of their work — providing care and support to other humans — will remain the same.

AI-Related Expertise (obviously!)

Ironically, the rise of AI will also create new job opportunities for people who know how to work with the technology. AI experts, engineers, and technicians will be in high demand to build, train, and maintain the machines that are replacing human workers.

These jobs will require specialized skills and knowledge, so not everyone will be able to transition into them easily. But for those who have the aptitude and interest, working in the AI field could provide a stable and lucrative career path.

Other jobs may emerge that we can’t even imagine yet - roles that combine human creativity and empathy with AI’s efficiency and processing power. The key will be staying flexible and adaptable as the economy evolves.

Bullshit [Government] Jobs

Finally, the government will likely be one of the last holdouts against full automation. Even if private companies rush to replace human workers with AI, government agencies may feel pressure to keep people employed for political reasons.

So we may still see human workers doing jobs like sweeping streets, maintaining parks, or providing customer service in government offices. These jobs may not be the most fulfilling or high-paying, but they’ll provide a safety net for people who can’t find work elsewhere.

Of course, this assumes that governments will have the resources and political will to preserve these jobs in the face of mounting economic pressures. If tax revenues decline and budgets get tight, even the public sector may have to turn to automation to cut costs.

Finding Your Place or Staying Relevant

So where does all this leave us?

It’s clear that we need to start thinking now about how to position ourselves for success in the post-labor economy. Depending on your skills and interests, that might mean:

• Developing expertise in AI or related fields
• Building a business or career around human-centric experiences or emotional support
• Cultivating multiple streams of income through consulting, digital entrepreneurship or building AI-based tools
• Investing in education and training to stay competitive in the remaining job market
• Creating entertainment, art, or other creative publishing business
• Teaching hobby skills or sharing hobby experience as digital content creator

Personally, I’m focusing on publishing content that helps people navigate this new world, as well as pursuing hobbies that bring me joy and fulfillment outside of work. I’m also building my skills in areas like communication, creativity, and critical thinking - things that machines can’t easily replicate.

But everyone’s path will be different. The important thing is to start preparing now, so you’re not caught off guard when the AI revolution arrives. Don’t wait until your job is automated to start thinking about your next move.

I know this all sounds daunting, but I believe we can adapt and thrive in the post-labor economy if we approach it with an open mind and a willingness to change. By supporting each other, thinking creatively, and staying true to our human values, we can build a future that works for everyone - not just the machines.

Let me know in the comments how you’re preparing for the AI age, or what worries you most about this transition. Together, we can navigate this brave new world and come out stronger on the other side!